Hailey Celebrates Fourth of July
BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL
July Fourth
Independence Day is really a big birthday bash. The United States won the war for independence from Great Britain and proceeded to become the largest and most powerful superpower in the known world – at least for recorded history. All the fireworks and shenanigans are a way of saying Happy Birthday as we commemorate the official separation of our original thirteen colonies from the tiny island’s monarchy as Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was signed.
So how old are we? Going by this hallmark, the U.S. turns 248.
Whatever you have planned, in almost every city on the map, near lakes and in far-flung neighborhoods or suburbs, fireworks will pop, crinkle and bang in the sky. Guaranteed, if you’re in a large area, get to a hilltop or local apex with a 360-degree view and you’ll see the colors and flash of gunpowder and pigment perforate the sky.
Invented in 9th century AD China during the Tang Dynasty, fireworks were purportedly brought out as an apotropaic form of kinetic art meant to keep evil spirits away.
Blaine County’s Fourth of July
This year the grand marshals, heralds of the celebration, are The Grange Foundation – a national nonprofit founded in 1924. The Upper Big Wood River Grange #192 is Hailey’s branch, originally focusing on bringing together farmers and ranchers to foster the local agricultural food community.
You can thank the Grange for the Wood River Seed Library, organized for annual seed and plant exchanges with information and guidance on local gardening, heirloom seed saving and plant sharing. Encouraging self-sufficiency through sustainable practices, Granges are the originators of the Community Garden established in 2020. They offer educational resources, courses and information on practical skills, which perhaps used to be common knowledge, such as sewing, planting, seed saving and home cooking, to support community resilience. A group that encourages local independence, it’s fitting they would marshal the Independence Day festivities.
Festivities Lineup
From morning to night, on July 2–4, there will be an array of fun things to do, courtesy of the good folks at the Grange. You’ll be up to your ears in endearing events, even bringing back some past favorites.
Commencing July 2–4, The 141st Hailey Days of the Old West Fourth of July Celebration returns with a multi-day event including a rodeo, parade and more. The Sawtooth Rangers Rodeo is a consistently excellent classic rodeo and always sells out. You can find tickets at any Atkinsons’ Market location, at the Hailey Welcome Center, at 781 S. Main Street, or online at SawtoothRangers.org
8:30–11 a.m.
Historic Pancake Breakfast
The return of the cakes! Socialize and indulge in one of America’s favorite breakfasts at the Grange, at 609 South 3rd Avenue, across from Hailey Elementary. There will be a nominal fee and, along with pancakes you can usually also find scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, water and juice.
http://www.grange.org/upperbigwoodriverid192
11 a.m.
Paint a Legacy 5K Color Run
Come for the calories, stay for the color! Those pancakes will power you through the Dental Legacy Foundation’s (DLF) vivid victory lap. Open to all ages, color runs are a vibrant way to win medals and support the smiles crafted for the community by the DLF. You’ll want to wear white, as runners will be given a bib and a cup of powdered pigment to splash around, creating rainbow clouds of color, much like that used in the Hindu Holi Festival. Think fireworks without the fire for a photography-friendly event as painted runners pace along the bike path beginning at the Wood River High School dirt parking lot.
DentalLegacyFoundation.org
12 p.m.
141st Days of the Old West Fourth of July Parade
At high noon on the Fourth, the parade will begin floating and marching down Main Street in Hailey. If you’ve been to the museum, you’ll know about Samson the Elephant’s famous 1884 trip to Hailey. “The Circus Returns to Town” is the theme honoring Samson and the history of Hailey. Not just for onlookers, you can be in the parade yourself as a whimsical way to market your business or cause. See ValleyChamber.org for more information on how to be involved.
1–5 p.m.
Sawtooth Brewery’s 10th Annual Riverfest
At Hop Porter Park, more than a concert there’s also a car show this year. Jeff Crosby will be headlining this year, opened by local favorites Side Hustle. There’ll be kids’ entertainment, food trucks, plenty of beer and a hotrod car show to see amazing jalopies from all over.
1–4 p.m.
The Life Church’s 3rd Annual Family Fun Fourth Community Event
There’ll be a much loved pie-eating contest, waterslides, games and races at 931 North River Street. Bring the family—there’s fun for all and a chance to worship, courtesy of pastors Michael and Carol Hendricks. Remember, Stand By Me was just a movie.
So when does the sky light up?
Fireworks
The fireworks on the Fourth of July begin at dusk and can typically be seen from just about anywhere in Hailey. Get a comfy lawn chair and claim your spot early and mind where you park.
Celebrating 248 years of American independence in a day.
But there’s more!
Hailey’s 25th Annual Fourth of July Antique Fair
From July 4–6, 50 vendors from across the Northwest will descend on Roberta McKercher Park to offer jewelry, antiques, vintage clothing and art, including pottery and primitives. Find your next centerpiece that really brings that guest bedroom together. Contact Blue Cow Antiques at (208) 312-4900 or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bluecowestatesales/
Wood River Farmers’ Market
Remember to support local food and crafts as the farmers’ market will, of course, also be at Roberta McKercher Park on July 6.
If you’re out of town, stuck at home or for whatever reason can’t make the merrymaking, you can show your support for the community by making a donation toward the day’s efforts at ValleyChamber.org or in person at the Hailey Welcome Center, 781 South Main Street, in Hailey. Call (208) 788-3484 for more information.